Week 1
Philippians 1:3-11
How does Paul describe the joy he experiences because of his friends in Philippi?
a. Describe a time when you have experienced this type of joy because of the friendship you have shared with another Christian.
b. When you are at a low point, who are you able to praise God to be in relationship with?
How would you describe Paul's partnership with the church in Philippi?
a. Who are your partners in ministry? Describe your partnership.
b. How are y’all extending the ministry of Christ?
c. How do you feel led to partner with our church to extend the ministry of Christ?
In your own words, describe Paul's prayer for his friends in Philippi.
a. How do you pray for others? Describe your prayers.
b. Where do you see the fruit of righteousness working in your life?
Week 2
Philippians 1:18-26
Describe Paul's attitude toward his current circumstances.
a. Describe a time you or someone else had Paul’s attitude toward hardship. How did this impact the people around you?
How does Paul describe his attitude toward those who preach Christ from self-ambition? Does this surprise you? Explain.
a. How do you distinguish between pure and impure motives in others and/or yourself?
b. Despite some having impure motives, Paul was able to rejoice knowing Christ was being proclaimed. Why do you think this is so?
What kind of "deliverance" does Paul expect?
a. Why was Paul torn between living and dying? What were the advantages and disadvantages of both?
b. “For me to live is…..”
Given your priorities and schedule this WEEK, how would you honestly finish this sentence? What would change if you said Christ?
Week 3
Philippians 2:1-11
How well do these verses describe your relationship with other believers?
a. How do you balance meeting your own needs and meeting the needs of others?
b. What does it mean to “value others above yourselves”?
How does Paul describe the identity of Jesus?
a. Which statement describing Jesus strikes you the most? Why?
What does it mean for Jesus to identify with us?
a. How does this help us identify with Jesus?
b. How does this help us identify with others?
Week 4
Philippians 2:12-18
Describe the difference between working FOR your salvation and working OUT your salvation.
a. What is your role in becoming more like Jesus?
b. What is God’s role in you becoming more like Jesus?
c. What is your greatest struggle in working out your own salvation?
When is it difficult for you to refrain from complaining or grumbling with others? God?
a. How do your expectations influence your attitude toward your circumstances?
b. Refer back to Ch. 2:5-8. How would having the mind of Christ change your behavior?
What does our attitude say about the God we serve and the church community?
CHALLENGE: Allow God to change your greatest struggle into your greatest praise.
Week 5
Philippians 2:19-30
How does Paul describe Timothy? How does Paul's description of Timothy compare with Christ's example in verses 3-8?
a. What are the characteristics you look for in your Christian friends.
b. Describe someone you know who models those characteristics.
Based upon Paul's descriptions of Timothy and Epaphroditus, how do you think their presence effected Paul during his imprisonment?
a. Describe a time when the presence of a close friend encouraged you through a difficult time.
b. Why are Christian friends so important?
Closing Challenge: Who is one person you can encourage or give praise to this week?
Week 6
Philippians 3:1-11
Paul strongly condemns those who trust in works for salvation, including circumcision. Why is trusting in our works or accomplishments so damaging?
a. What is the difference between earning your salvation and responding to your salvation?
If you were to compile a list of personal accolades like Paul, what would you include? How would you react if they were all taken away?
How did Paul's perspective on life change once he came to know Christ?
a. Describe what it means for you to know Christ.
b. Who has modeled knowing Christ for you?
What is one area of your life that you experienced the power of his resurrection, the radical change due to knowing Christ?
a. What is one area of your life you need to leave behind in order to know Christ more?
Week 7
Philippians 3:12-21
How does Paul describe the current state of his walk with Christ?
What are some of the successes from your past that hinder you from moving forward with Christ?
a. Are there hurts from your past that hinder you from moving forward with Christ?
What might you sacrifice in order to press on into Christ-like living?
a. What might you lose if you choose NOT to press on in Christ-like living?
How does your attitude towards people who do not know Christ compare with Paul's?
a. What are some heavenly realities you can focus on that will demonstrate your true citizenship in heaven to the lost?
Think back over the last week. Do your words and actions reveal you are striving for excellence more in your day-to-day life or your spiritual life? Explain.
Week 8
Philippians 4:1-5
What does standing firm in the Lord mean to you?
a. Describe a time when you stood firm in the Lord. How did the people around you react?
Paul is very generous in his praise of the Philippian church. Describe the way it makes you feel when you are affirmed or encouraged by someone?
For your reflection: Focusing on our common identity in Christ enables reconciliation. Is there someone you need to be reconciled to today?
Up to this point, we have seen the word "rejoice" approximately 12 times in our study of Philippians. What have you learned about rejoicing so far?
a. Describe a time when God’s nearness produced joy in your heart.
b. What is the difference between rejoicing in your circumstances and rejoicing for your circumstances?c. How do you balance acknowledging pain and heartache while also rejoicing in the Lord?
Closing Challenge: Think about a frustration/challenge you encounter on a fairly regular basis. What would it look like for you to rejoice in the Lord during this situation?
Week 9
Philippians 4:6-9
How effective for you is prayer at relieving anxiety?
a. Recall a time in your life when God helped you with your anxiety.
b. How does prayer relate to your trust in God?
Why is giving thanks an important part of prayer?
a. How does thanksgiving overcome anxiety?
Describe a time when you experienced God's peace. How did God's peace guard or protect you?
How does what you think about affect your behavior? Feelings? Stress and anxiety level?
a. As you go throughout your day, what are some things you can begin thinking about that fit the characteristics of the list in verse 8?
Recall a time when someone else supported you when you were anxious.
Week 10
Philippians 4:10-13
What does it mean to be content? According to Paul, what is the source of his contentment?
a. Describe a period of time when you experienced contentment.
b. Describe a period of time when you were discontent. What was the source of your discontent?
c. What impact did your contentment or discontent have on your life – family, friends, work, etc.?
What uncontrollable outside forces disrupt your contentment? Why?
a. When has God strengthened you to navigate through a difficult time/situation with contentment?
How does Paul describe his relationship with the Philippian church?
Closing discussion:
- Now that we have seen how Paul was blessed by the Philippian church, how have you been blessed in a similar manner, and who have you been a blessing to?
- How has our study of Philippians impacted you in your Christian walk?